How to Distinguish Between General Cargo, Bulk Cargo and Heavy Cargo

Have you ever encountered such a problem? Carefully packaged products are misclassified and encounter inappropriate transportation methods, which increases costs and may also be damaged during transportation.

When your goods are charged extra fees due to improper classification, it not only increases your operating costs, but also may put you at a disadvantage in the fierce market competition. Are you also often confused by the terms such as "general cargo", "bulk cargo" and "heavy cargo"? To make it more complicated, different types of goods are also subject to various regulations, and the differences in these regulations make the transportation process cumbersome and full of uncertainty. How to correctly identify and classify goods, and how to use this knowledge to optimize your transportation strategy?

In this article, we will explain what general cargo, bulk cargo and heavy goods mean, their specific characteristics, and how to choose the right transportation method for each type of goods. Whether you are transporting light items, large goods or overweight goods, this guide will help you make an informed decision and improve your logistics strategy.

Detailed explanation of international export cargo classification

What is general cargo?

General cargo, also known as standard cargo or Normal Cargo, refers to cargo that is packaged and can be handled individually and easily loaded onto a ship, truck or plane. All cargo except special cargo such as dangerous goods, contraband, fresh and perishable goods. These items are usually measured by weight or volume, and this category includes items such as electronics, clothing and machinery. General cargo is usually shipped in containers or pallets to make it easier to handle and secure during transportation.

Packaged cargo: General cargo is shipped in bags, boxes or crates.

Sensitive handling: This type of cargo usually requires careful handling to avoid damage.

The advantage of general cargo is that it is usually standardized, making it easier to handle, store and transport. However, factors such as packaging, stacking and potential handling risks during transportation must be considered. If your business involves such products, then you may benefit from a streamlined logistics solution that prioritizes safety, speed and cost-effectiveness.

What is volumetric cargo?

Volumetric cargo, also known as lightweight cargo or volumetric cargo, refers to those goods whose volume weight is greater than their actual weight. Since this type of cargo takes up a large space but has a low weight load on the transport vehicle, the shipping cost is usually calculated by volumetric weight. Bulk cargo is common in goods such as clothing, plush toys, and furniture, which brings additional challenges to logistics transportation because more space is needed to accommodate these seemingly light but space-consuming goods.

Bulk cargo characteristics are:

Large volume and light weight: For example, furniture, plastic products, etc.

Shipping costs are calculated by volume: attention needs to be paid to packaging and stacking methods to optimize space utilization.

What is heavy cargo?

Heavy cargo, also known as heavy-duty cargo, refers to items that exceed the standard weight limits of typical transportation methods. This includes large machinery, construction equipment, and oversized items. Heavy cargo often requires specialized handling and transportation solutions, such as heavy trucks or cranes for loading and unloading. Examples of heavy cargo include industrial machinery, construction equipment, and large vehicles.

Weight considerations: Heavy cargo often requires specific vehicles and equipment to transport.

Specialized transportation: Due to its size and weight, heavy cargo often requires route planning to avoid restrictions on certain roads.

Transporting heavy cargo often requires special permits, route planning, and sometimes even police escorts, depending on the size and weight of the item. Transporting heavy cargo requires careful planning and coordination to ensure safety and comply with shipping regulations. This also includes choosing a logistics provider who is good at handling oversized cargo and arranging the necessary equipment, such as flatbed trucks or specialized cranes.

What is bulk cargo?

Bulk cargo refers to cargo that is transported in large quantities without packaging. This includes materials such as coal, grain, and cement. Bulk cargo is usually loaded directly into the cargo hold of a ship or bulk carrier using specialized equipment such as conveyors or chutes. Bulk cargo is generally divided into two types: dry bulk and liquid bulk. Dry bulk includes items such as grain, coal, sand, and minerals that are transported in bulk in the holds of ships. Liquid bulk includes products such as crude oil, chemicals, and other liquid commodities that are transported in tankers.

Bulk cargo often requires specialized loading and unloading equipment, such as conveyors, pumps, and cranes, to load and unload cargo efficiently. The main challenge of bulk cargo is to ensure that the cargo is not contaminated or damaged during transportation.

Types of Bulk Cargo

Bulk cargo is generally divided into the following types:

Liquid bulk: such as oil, chemicals, etc.

Solid bulk cargo: such as ore, grain, etc.

Gaseous bulk cargo: such as liquefied natural gas, etc.

The difference between general cargo, bulk cargo and heavy cargo

General cargo is packaged or containerized for standard transportation modes such as trucks, ships and airplanes and can be handled as independent units. General cargo usually requires more sensitive handling due to its packaging and potential fragility.

Bulk cargo is transported in bulk in large quantities without packaging and directly loaded on board; it requires specialized handling and storage, usually using dedicated ships or containers. Bulk cargo is usually stronger but difficult to manage due to its loose nature.

Heavy cargo involves oversized or heavy items that require special handling, transportation vehicles and licenses.

Each type of cargo has unique challenges and considerations, such as handling methods, cost implications and legal requirements. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right logistics solution and optimize your transportation strategy.

General cargo may involve more transfer, sorting and other links during transportation, while bulk cargo tends to be more direct transportation with fewer intermediate links.

Accurately distinguishing between general cargo, bulk cargo and heavy cargo not only helps companies plan logistics costs reasonably, but also improves logistics efficiency and reduces unnecessary waste. At the same time, for the transportation of bulk cargo, companies should choose professional transportation service providers to ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination safely and efficiently.

How can ChinaDivision help?

The complexity of handling various cargo types and their specific requirements can be daunting, but ChinaDivision can help you. As a leading third-party logistics provider, ChinaDivision provides comprehensive order fulfillment services tailored for different types of cargo. From packaging and warehousing to transportation and delivery, we ensure that your goods are handled safely, efficiently and in accordance with international transportation standards.

If you have any questions about the best way to transport general cargo, bulk cargo or heavy cargo, contact ChinaDivision today. Let us provide you with the expertise and support you need to simplify your logistics and grow your business.